Who was Connor Garden-Bachop and how old was the New Zealand Rugby star when he died? Plus cause of death explained
NEW Zealand rugby union player Connor Garden-Bachop has died due to a ‘medical event’.
The Māori All Black had thanked the Highlanders on social media last week for an “unforgettable five years.” Here’s what we know about Connor.
Who was Connor Garden-Bachop?
Connor Garden-Bachop, a New Zealand rugby union player with Cook Islands heritage, played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby.
Born on April 19, 1999, he mainly played as a wing and joined the team in 2020.
His lineage includes European, Samoan, Tahitian, Cook Island, and Māori (specifically Ngāti Awa) origins.
Connor was born into a rugby-centric family.
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His father, Stephen Bachop, represented both Samoa and New Zealand, while his mother, Sue Garden-Bachop, played for New Zealand's women’s team, the Black Ferns.
His uncle, Graeme Bachop, played for the All Blacks in two World Cups (1991, 1995) and for Japan in 1999.
“All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief.”
New Zealand Rugby
His cousin, Aaron Mauger, played for the All Blacks in the early 2000s and coached the Highlanders from 2018-20.
The young footballer is also the father of twin girls.
What was Connor Garden-Bachop's cause of death?
In a statement, said he died “following a medical event” in Christchurch on June 17, however, it did not specify the cause of death.
It read: “On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family."
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“Many of our community proudly followed Connor's career as he went on to play for the Highlanders and Māori All Blacks.
"His loss will be felt deeply by many, and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.”